Beloved Banana Bread
Do you have recipes that you know when you are making them, your family, or certain members of your family beam with delight? That type of baking that results in that great big hug upon discovery? I certainly have a few of those and one of them is banana bread. When I think of banana bread, I think of my son. It has always been one of those recipes I make that he absolutely loves, my beloved banana bread.
As long as your know how to bake, life is sure to be sweet!
Baking has always been that calming activity that eases any stress (for me). Whether I am baking with one of my kids, or alone, it gives me a chance to think, collect my thoughts, and organize my day. I find it very peaceful and there is something about a kitchen filling up with delicious smells of bread, cookies, or a delicious dinner that fills the heart with love.
I’ve tried many different banana bread recipes and while each may be good, I tend to go back to my old faithful recipe. I used to make it with chocolate chips, but my son now prefers it without.
Sidenote: I was preparing this blog about a month ago and I could not find my trusty recipe so I did try a new one. It was tasty, but my entire household would agree – “Please find the old recipe” lol. After searching and searching – it was found. I think the kitchen elves hid it.
Banana Bread Recipe by Simply Recipes:
- 2-3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter or margarine
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups all purpose flour
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and butter or spray a loaf pan (4×8)
- In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth
- Stir in melted butter/margarine
- Mix in baking soda and salt
- Stir in sugar, beaten egg and vanilla
- Mix in flour
- Pour into loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until golden and a toothpick can be inserted and removed clean.
- Once done, let bread cool for a few minutes then remove from pan to cool completely before serving (however, I love it warm)
I guarantee if I bake this right before my son comes home from school, the minute he walks in, he is headed straight for the counter to eat a slice.
It is one of those recipes where he has already mentioned that when he is away at University (insert tear), he will be requesting it prior to any visit I make. And of course my answer was “Definitely!” I often joke that I will be calling him and telling him I am in the area, hands full with Banana Bread – just so I can see him.
Banana bread certainly has created a special bond with my son (another is Pastitio Pie with my daughter – stay tuned for a future blog). Food has always been an ingredient or event that binds others together (see My 16 Year Old Son Could Eat A Horse). It fills my heart knowing that simple home-cooked recipes can provide my child’s heart with so much love and joy.
Do you have a special recipe? One that bonds you with one of your children or loved one? If so, I’d love to know. Click below if you’d like to share one of your tasty recipes.